Snapper, Red – U.S. Gulf of Mexico

Red Snapper are found in the western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to northern South America, the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Red Snapper are found around both natural and artificial structures like corals reefs and oil rigs. They grow slowly, reach sexual maturity around three years of age, and may live for over 50 years.

Red Snapper are depleted throughout their range in U.S. waters. In the Gulf of Mexico, however, effective management is now in place to ensure catch levels are appropriate to allow for rebuilding.

Red Snapper are typically caught by vertical hook-and-line gear which has minimal impact to the seafloor. However, some depleted groupers species are caught in the fishery.